Be careful with the laid-back beauty who took a liking to me. Otherwise, it will be too late! - Chapter 29: Saya\'s Admiration

Chapter 29: Saya’s Admiration

Since I was little, I hardly ever had the chance to eat meals with my family. When I think back to my childhood, all I remember is eating alone.

Until I became a high school student, I had the housekeeper, Fujimura-san, make my breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.

“Miss Saya, dinner is ready.”

It was Fujimura-san who called out to me while I was studying.

“I’m coming.”

After closing my textbooks and notebooks spread out on the desk, I took a seat at the dining table.

I really like Fujimura-san’s cooking. She makes balanced meals for me every day.

“Are you not eating, Fujimura-san?”

I knew how she would answer, but I asked anyway.

“I wait until you finish eating, Miss Saya, and then I go home to eat with my family.”

“Family…”

Right, she has a family too. How envious… I want to eat with my mom and dad.

“Is eating with your family fun?”

“…Well, I’m not sure how you feel, but I think eating with family is enjoyable.”

“Enjoyable… I see.”

I wonder if one day someone will come along to eat with me. To eat together and say how delicious it is…

Will that day ever come? No one is here with me.

“Thank you for the meal. It was very delicious.”

As I said this to Fujimura-san, who was smiling while washing the dishes, she beamed back at me.

“Thank you for the compliment. Well then, I’ll be heading home now.”

“Okay… Thank you, Fujimura-san.”

I’m fine being alone. But sometimes, I feel lonely. Still, I can’t just hold Fujimura-san back.

As usual, I walked her to the entrance, and she gently patted my head.

“Miss Saya, see you tomorrow. Please take it easy and rest well tonight.”

“Yes.”

—

*****

“Such nostalgia…”

Waking up slowly from the light streaming through the curtain, I sat up in bed.

Those fond memories. Fujimura-san, who was with me every day until middle school. We occasionally exchanged letters, but we haven’t met. I wonder if she’s doing well.

Still feeling sleepy, I have plans today. I need to eat breakfast quickly and head to the meeting place.

I changed into the outfit I had decided on yesterday and made my way to the kitchen.

For breakfast, I decided to make French toast for the first time in a while.

I want to do something to thank Fujimura-san. But two years have passed, and I haven’t found a good time to meet her.

(I want to say thank you when we meet…)

While pondering what to do as I enjoyed the freshly made French toast with cold barley tea, I thought about today’s plans: I would go to the indoor pool with Hinata, Yuna, Kubo-kun, and Akari-chan.

I had bought a new swimsuit with Yuna the other day. We took an hour to choose a cute swimsuit that Hinata would like.

Since it seems we can rent floaties, I decided not to bring any with me. I don’t want to carry too much.

“All set!”

Once I was ready, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and stepped out of the house.

Today, I didn’t want to fuss with changing too much, so I wore a white dress and a skin-colored cardigan for sun protection. My hair was up in a bun since it felt too hot to leave it down.

(I wonder what Hinata will say…?)

I giggled softly to myself and checked my appearance in the mirror before heading towards the station.

The meeting place was the nearest station to the school. However, Hinata and I had promised to take the same train together to that station.

I boarded the train first, and he would join me later. When we arrived at the station and passed through the ticket gate, I boarded car number five, where I usually sat.

A few minutes later, as the train slowly came to a stop, I saw Hinata waving at me as he got on.

“Good morning, Saya.”

“Good morning, Hinata.”

I really want to hug him right now. But since we’re on the train, I manage to hold back. Every time we meet, my feelings for him swell up. Patience, patience…

As I imagined taking him to a quiet place to hug him, Hinata called my name.

“What did you eat for breakfast this morning, Saya?”

“For breakfast? I had French toast. What about you, Hinata?”

“French toast sounds good. I had rice, a fried egg, sausage, and miso soup.”

“I love miso soup! Oh, especially the one Fujimura-san makes.”

“Fujimura-san?”

“Oh, she’s our housekeeper. She doesn’t come anymore, but she used to take care of the house until middle school.”

“Really? That’s interesting.”

As we chatted about breakfast, we soon arrived at our stop.

The meeting place was in front of the convenience store on the station platform. When we got there, I spotted Akari-chan, who was already waving at us.

“Hello, Saya-chan, Hinata-kun!”

“Hello? Good morning, Akari-chan!”

“Good morning, Shiina-san.”

After exchanging greetings, I noticed that Shiina-san was wearing a cute light blue dress.

“Wow, we’re matching in our dresses. Twin coordination!”

“Wow, you’re right! Saya-chan, you look cute.”

“Hehe, thanks, Akari-chan. I wonder where Yuna and Kubo-kun are?”

I looked around, but there was no sign of them yet.

“Hmm, there’s still time, so let’s wait here together. Do you want some Pocky?”

As if reading my thoughts, Akari-chan pulled out a pack of Pocky from her bag.

“I want some… yeah, I’d love to!”

I sensed Hinata looking at me as if to say, “You just had breakfast?” but I decided to indulge.

“Here you go!”

“Thanks, Akari-chan.”

After receiving a bag of Pocky, I remembered something I wanted to try. I took one stick out of the bag, put it in my mouth, and turned to face Hinata.

“Say, Saya?”

Hinata seemed puzzled, not understanding what I was trying to do, while Akari-chan’s eyes widened in realization.

“Wait, are you trying to do the Pocky game?”

(Nice one, Akari-chan!)

“Go for it, Hinata-kun!”

After whispering something to Hinata, Akari-chan turned away, looking back.

“Right here…”

Hinata checked to see if anyone was around, and, thinking it was safe, he grabbed my hand tightly and started nibbling on the Pocky from the other end.

I had wanted to try this after seeing it in manga, but it was more intense than I imagined. Just as our lips were about to touch, I turned bright red and snapped the Pocky in half.

“Oh, that was delicious~.”

“Um, Saya-chan, you only ate the end without chocolate on it…”